Policies and Procedures

REQUESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

  1. Go to Bear Access Login on the DRC home page (www.missouristate.edu/disability).
  2. Login to Bear Access with the same username and password as you do your Missouri State email account.
  3. If this is the first time that you have signed into your account for the term, you will need to review and electronically sign any E-Forms that pertain to your accommodations. Click on any of the E-Form titles and all of them will expand on your screen. Please read the E-Forms carefully and sign at the bottom of the page
  4. On your Dashboard screen, scroll down until you see the box labeled “Select Accommodations for Your Class.”
  5. All of your classes should be listed in the box labeled “Step 1: Select Class(es).”
    1. If your classes are not listed, please contact the Disability Resource Center so that we can help to troubleshoot your account.
    2. Check the boxes next to the classes that you would like to request accommodations for.
    3. You can always come back and request accommodations for additional classes at a later time if you would like to see how things go first.
    4. Click on the button labeled “Step 2 - Continue to Customize Your Accommodations.”
  6. You will now see a page with details for each of the classes that you selected for requesting accommodations.
    1. DO NOT mark the check box in the yellow box for a class with the “Wrong CRN”
    2. Please select the check boxes next to the accommodations that you would like to request for each class.
    3. You do not need to request all accommodations in every class. For example, you may determine that in a course that is primarily discussion based you do not need note taking, but do want to use testing accommodations.
    4. Once you have requested the appropriate accommodations for each class, please click on the button labeled “Submit Your Accommodation Requests.”
  7. After you have submitted your accommodation requests, your Faculty Notification letters will be automatically sent through email to your instructors. If you would prefer to notify instructors yourself, please contact your Access Advisor and they can change the setting in your profile to only notify instructors through printed letters.

MODIFYING YOUR ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS

  1. Scroll down your dashboard page until you see the accommodation requests that you have submitted.
  2. In the gray bar that includes the class number and title, there is a link on the right side that says “Modify Request.” Click on it.
  3. Add or remove accommodations as needed from the list, and then click on the “Update Request” button.

EXAM ACCOMMODATIONS

  1. All accommodated exams not being administered by your instructor will be scheduled through Bear Access.

  2. VERY IMPORTANT! You must schedule with at least three bussiness days notice to be scheduled for an exam. Please note: If you do not give proper notice, your exam request will be denied. Please see the Testing Center's website for a full explanation of exam policies.
  3. Ask your instructor if they can provide the exam accommodations. Instructors are better able to answer questions during an exam (as they would during a regular class exam). Also, instructors are able to collect the exam from you immediately when you finish rather than waiting for the Testing Center to return the completed exam to them. If your instructor is unable to provide your exam accommodations, then you will need to schedule it through Bear Acces AT LEAST THREE BUSSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR EXAMS

  4. When should I plan to take my exam?
    1. You should take your exams at the same date and time as your class, when possible. The exam policies explain exceptions to this rule, and any alternative dates/times should be discussed and agreed upon by the instructor before scheduling your exam.
    2. Please see the Testing Center's website for the hours when you can take your exam. All exams must begin in enough time to finish by the time the Testing Center closes for the day.

Instructions for Scheduling Exams

  1. Go to the DRC homepage https://www.missouristate.edu/disability/ and click the “Bear Access Login” link on the left side of the page.
  2. Click on the Alternative Testing link on the left side of your “My Dashboard” page.
  3. In the box labeled “Alternative Testing Agreement(s),” select the class that you would like to schedule an exam for from the dropdown menu.
  4. Click on the “Schedule an Exam” button.
  5. In the box labeled “Exam Detail,” select the request type, put in the date of the exam, and the time that you would like to schedule your exam.
  6. The box labeled “Services Requested (As Applicable)” shows the testing accommodations that you have discussed with your Access Advisor. Check the box next to the accommodations that you would like to apply to the exam being scheduled.
  7. If there are any additional notes that you would like the Testing Center to know about, please add those in the text box.
  8. Click on the “Add Exam Request” button to schedule the exam.
  9. If your exam was scheduled correctly you should see a big green checkmark at the top of the page with the message “System Update is Successful.”

Instructions for Requesting Alternative Format Textbooks and Course Materials

  1. Go to the DRC homepage https://www.missouristate.edu/disability/ and click the “Bear Access Login” link on the left side of the page.
  2. Click on “Alternative Formats” under “My Accommodations” in the left side navigation links. On the Alternative Formats page, you will be able to:
    1. See the list of books you have requested.
    2. See the current status of your requested books (waiting for receipt, processing, completed, etc.).
  3. Upload receipts for proof of purchase. On the Alternative Formats Page, click on the next term link in the yellow box at the top of the page. Make sure that it shows the term “Spring 2024.”
  4. Select books from the bookstore list that you would like in Alternative Format. Please do not select StreamlinED, Ebooks, or class materials. As you select the books, it will move into the section “List Books Currently Being Processed for Spring 2024.”
  5. If your book is not listed or you have additional readings, please contact the DRC/ATC for assistance at 417-836-4192.
  6. As books become available in the bookstore, purchase your textbooks and upload the receipts to Bear Access.
  7. Please be advised, alternatively formatted textbooks cannot be released to you until a receipt or

    proof of personal possession is provided.

CONTINUED SUPPORT, REQUESTING/EDITING ACCOMMODATIONS

Our office is here to provide advising, support, and guidance as you collaborate with your instructors to implement your accommodations. Please email (DRC@MissouriState.edu) or call (417-836-4192) with questions, concerns, or to schedule an appointment with your advisor to request additional accommodations.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

  1. If you would like to discuss a decision made by DRC staff, please contact the Disability Resource Center at 417-836-4192 and schedule an appointment with the Director.

  2. If you wish to appeal the decision of the Director, you are welcome to contact the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance at Missouri State University, 417-836-4252, to file an appeal.

  3. For statements regarding our policies and procedures, the rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities, and the rights and responsibilities of the University and its faculty, please see www.missouristate.edu/disability.
  4. For other inquiries concerning the grievance procedure, or to file a complaint based on discrimination, please contact the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC). You may schedule an appointment with OIEC by calling 417-836-4252 or emailing Equity@MissouriState.edu.

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